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Gardenhire pulling for Perkins in All-Star balloting

Gardenhire pulling for Perkins in All-Star balloting

6/27/13: Glen Perkins gets Miguel Tejada to ground out to third to pick up his 20th save of the season in the Twins' 3-1 win over the Royals

By Rhett Bollinger
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MLB.com |

TORONTO -- With a healthy lead in the balloting among American League catchers, Joe Mauer appears to be a lock for the All-Star Game, but the Twins are hoping closer Glen Perkins joins him in New York for the Midsummer Classic.

The rosters will be unveiled on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET on the 2013 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show on FOX. The All-Star Game will be played at Citi Field on July 16.

"We're hoping Perkins has a good shot, and Joe is pretty much a lock," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "So we'll see. We'll find out tomorrow."

Perkins has been impressive this year with a 1.99 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings. The left-hander, who is aiming for his first career All-Star Game appearance, also has 20 saves in 22 chances.